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Antinori is currently led by Marchese Piero Antinori, the latest of 26 generations to run the family business. The documented history of the Antinori family stretches back as far as the 12th Century, although it was in the century that followed that they arrived in Tuscany. The family business was wine, and in 1385 Giovanni di Pieri Antinori registered with the Guild of Winemakers, and so it is this date that has come to be regarded as the starting point for Antinori.

The business has prospered over the centuries that followed, and in 1898 the Fattoria dei Marchesi Lodovico e Piero Antinori was founded, and this marked the beginning of the transformation of a small family business into a star player. In the latter half of the 20th Century Antinori has made a significant impact, both on the domestic scene and on the international market. They have been innovators in the development of Super-Tuscan blends, keen experimenters in the vineyard, and their considerable success has led to expansion in ownership of real estate and vineyards.

Antinori own a large number of estates throughout Tuscany, of which the most significant are worth considering in detail. Tenuta Tignanello is the jewel in the crown, the estate comprising two vineyards, the 47 ha Tignanello and alongside the 10 ha Antinori’s Tignanello EstateSolaia. These are vineyards of marl, with areas of shale and chalk, at an altitude of 350 to 450 m. This is the source of the two Super-Tuscans which have been focal points in the Tuscan revolution that has occurred over the latter 20th Century; Tignanello (20% Cabernet, 80% Sangiovese) and Solaia (a mirror image 80% Cabernet and 20% Sangiovese). Fruit not used for these wines is the source of two of Antinori’s other Chianti Classico Riservas, designated Tenute del Marchese and Villa Antinori.

Robert Parker : 92 points
"The 2006 Tignanello is especially opulent in this vintage. Masses of dark red fruit, scorched earth and sweet oak emerge as this richly-textured Tignanello flows from the glass. The wine possesses superb density; all it needs is another few years to come together. Today it is remarkably vibrant and primary. Tignanello is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." (2009)

Wine Spectator : 93 points
"Intense aromas of ripe blackberry and flowers, with rosemary and coffee hints. Full-bodied, with chewy, polished tannins. Excellent fruit concentration and a flavorful aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2012." (2009)